A Day in Monterey

Welcome to my happy place.

My classmate and I took a day trip to Monterey today for some much needed R&R.
And by R&R, I mean running and restaurants.

The morning started with a beautiful run along the Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Path.  I have been to this path a few times for long runs and it is definitely my all-time favorite place to run.

The Monterey Bike Path spans approximately 29 miles along the coast stretching from Castroville to Monterey peninsula and parts of Pebble Beach.

You run along the beautiful pebble beaches and are entertained by fellow runners, seals splashing in the Bay, and adorable families out for a leisurely bike ride.

My very own Creperie!

The Big Sur Marathon is tomorrow (good luck to all the racers!) and the race ends in Monterey, so the path was also crowded with lots of runners with their expo bags.  It took every ounce of my being to not run to the expo and buy a $275 race bib.  Looking back now, I should have at least stopped by for a free sample of goo/gatorade.  Oh well.  Next time.

After a nice long run, we went to the cutest restaurant ever on the wharf, Loulou's.

We had just missed breakfast, which we were both pretty bummed about, but I quickly forgot about that once we looked at their tasty menu.

Their salt & pepper shakers kept me entertained for the remainder of the lunch.  Each table has a different adorable salt and pepper shaker.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm still a 5 year old because I was thoroughly amused by all of the shakers.  It's the simple things in life.

After enjoying our delicious lunch, we walked along Cannery Row to window shop and visit my new favorite store in all of California.  Welcome to my other happy place.

Since I hadn't had enough sugar for one day, we made one last stop for delicious pie at the best hidden secret in Watsonville.  Gizdich Ranch.

Strawberry Rhubarb?  Yes please.

Oh, and a whole Apple Pie to go?  If I must.

Have you ever seen such a magnificent thing in your life?   

I am now going to slip into a sugar coma.  I hope you all had a great Saturday!